50 BEST North Austin Restaurants (2024)
North Austin is the bridge between Round Rock and downtown Austin, so it’s where a lot of residents are looking to spend their evenings and weekends. And while many of the hot new restaurants in ATX are in downtown or east Austin, north Austin is home to some hidden gems that are absolutely worth checking out the next time you need a fun place to eat in Austin. Bonus: parking and traffic are a lot more manageable at these north Austin restaurants when you go north of 2222.
Beautifully hidden from a lot of the tourist crowds, north Austin is full of some amazing upscale restaurants, great brunch spots, cute coffee shops, and affordable happy hour options. Read on for the best north Austin restaurants.
50 BEST North Austin Restaurants (2022)
Bulevar
*Note: 100% gluten free!
(Modern Mexican Meat + Seafood Grill)
Sister restaurant to ATX Cocina (and from the same team that created Hopdoddy, Z'Tejas, Tumble 22, Salty Sow, and others), Bulevar Mexican Kitchen is an upscale grill that just so happens to also be 100% gluten free. And offers sweeping hill country views from the rooftop deck. And has some of the best margaritas in town. Are you sold on it yet?
Located in the Arboretum in north Austin, Bulevar is the type of restaurant you'll want to visit for a celebratory meal, like a fun date night, an anniversary celebration, or a big meal out with girlfriends you haven't seen in a while. (Multiple cocktails will occur!)
Be sure to check out their happy hour menu for some discounted bites. But if you want to splurge on an entire dinner meal, you can't go wrong with the duck carnitas huarache, the premium wood grilled meats, or pretty much anything that has mole in the description.
WEBSITE | 9400 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759
Barley Swine
(American Farm-To-Table Restaurant)
Barley Swine’s ever-changing menu features a seasonal tasting experience that’s perfect for a celebratory meal. This north Austin restaurant is a charming, rustic space that’s perfect for date night, a girlfriend gathering or a family meal. It’s a great place for wine and beer; opt for the beverage pairing if you can!
Barley Swine always uses fresh, local ingredients to create its innovative menu. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been dozens of times, Chef Bryce Gilmore (Odd Duck) will always have something new and exciting to offer. Btw, he’s widely regarded as one of Austin’s most talented chefs, so any chance you get to dine at one of his restaurants is a treat. {Photo: Barley Swine}
WEBSITE | 6555 Burnet Rd #400, Austin, TX 78757
Andiamo Ristorante
(Upscale Italian Restaurant)
Andiamo Ristorante offers fine dining authentic Italian food, offering carefully selected prestigious Italian wines, handmade pastas, and seasonal menus. Andiamo offers a private dining room with an intimate setting ideal for parties, business meetings, rehearsal dinners, and holiday gatherings.
While the food is excellent (often regarded as the best Italian food in Austin), keep in mind that the ambiance is slightly less than exceptional (low ceilings, carpeted floor). If food is your only concern, this restaurant is for you! If you’re hoping for a modern or exciting restaurant ambiance, check out North Italia at the Domain NORTHSIDE.
WEBSITE | 2521 Rutland Dr #325, Austin, TX 78758
District Kitchen + Cocktails
(American Restaurant and Bar)
When it comes to New American Cuisine in north Austin, District Kitchen is one of the best choices! Their cozy atmosphere is great for any occasion, date night, family dinners, and group outings. It’s not only a great restaurant with delicious, locally-sourced food, but it has one of the best bars in North Austin.
Order a fun beverage with your meal from their extensive wine menu or their signature cocktails, or just stop by the bar for their awesome happy hour deals (3:30-7)
WEBSITE | 5900 W Slaughter Ln D, Austin, TX 78749
Fat Dragon
(Chinese Restaurant)
Prepare to get addicted… There are literally no better soup dumplings in this city than at Fat Dragon. You could make a meal of those alone. But don’t…because there is soo many other things on the menu to try!
This is a mom-and-pop shop next with no frills, just amazing food. They have big bowls of ramen, delicious hot pot, awesome Chinese/American basics like orange chicken and sweet and sour shrimp, and so much more. Enjoy it in-house, or get it to go and inhale it while you binge Netflix.
WEBSITE | 8650 Spicewood Springs Rd #109, Austin, TX 78759
Sugar Pine
(Japanese Restaurant)
When it comes to restaurants in North Austin, Sugar Pine is an absolute must-visit. It’s a casual Japanese restaurant that serves cute bento boxes, amazing chicken karaage, and fun ice creams flavors like sesame, taro root, and matcha.
They have a dog-friendly outdoor patio and a cute indoor space. It’s a great, casual spot to grab lunch in north Austin. {Photo: Sugar Pine}
WEBSITE | 8578 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758,
Ramen Tatsu-ya
(Ramen Restaurant)
Everyone knows that Ramen Tatsu-ya serves the best ramen in Austin, and they thankfully have a north Austin location on Research Boulevard!
Try the Miso Hot, and be sure to add an extra Ajitama egg and shaved brussels sprouts.
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
Flower Child
(Healthy American Restaurant)
Whether you are gf, a vegetarian, vegan, or have no dietary restrictions and just want some delicious food to fuel your body, Flower Child is perfect for you.
They have a customizable menu of bowls, wraps, salads, and mix-and-match veggies, grains, fruits, and healthy proteins (but somehow, all the healthy stuff still tastes absolutely AMAZING.) It’s such a bright, beautiful restaurant with white marble tabletops, big windows, and outdoor seating available.
WEBSITE | 500 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Garbo’s
(Lobster + New England Food)
If you’re feeling like you want to splurge on something absolutely delish, stop in at Garbo’s Lobster, where they do New England favorites with an Austin twist.
Of course, you can try the classic lobster roll or some East Coast oysters but don’t forget about their specials, like the insanely delicious spicy shrimp fries with spicy aioli, pickled carrots, cilantro, and jalapenos.
WEBSITE | 12709 N Mopac Expy, Austin, TX 78727
Chi'Lantro BBQ
(Fusion Restaurant)
Chi'Lantro BBQ started as a Korean-Mexican fusion mobile truck and catering service that opened in Austin, Texas, in 2010. Since then, the former food truck operation has opened a bunch of restaurants in the Austin area.
The Kimchi Fries is their claim to fame: a boat of delicious fries topped with their signature spicy/sour kimchi, protein (try the bulgogi!), and other yummy toppings. They also have bowls, tacos, queso, and salads.
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
North Italia
(Upscale Italian Restaurant)
For the fun girls night out at a North Austin restaurant, you need to reserve a table at North Italia! They have an exceptional menu of pasta and pizzas, delicious cocktails, yummy salads, and handmade Italian desserts.
Their Famous Meatball Sandwich is a must-try, as is their Cacio e Pepe pizza. Wash down your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive list, or try a hand-crafted cocktail from the bar.
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
First Chinese BBQ
(Chinese Restaurant)
If you need a solid Chinese restaurant for some weekend takeout, try this one: First Chinese BBQ has outstanding Chinese cuisine and Chinese-American classics. It’s a no-frills mom-and-pop shop with large servings, decent prices (especially during lunch!), and quick service. {Photo: Irene V, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 10901 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
Revelry on the Boulevard
(Sports bar)
Revelry on the Boulevard is great little casual with lots of TVs. It’s one of the best sports bars in the north Austin area!
While the menu features lots of classic bar food, it’s more than just burgers and wings: try the antipasto quinoa salad, gourmet brunch, and Cubano grilled cheese. {Photo: Revelry On The Boulevard, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 6215 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Top Notch
(Drive-in Burger Restaurant)
If you’re in a hurry—but want to see some OG Austin culture—drive through at Top Notch.
Featured in Dazed and Confused, this hamburger drive-through does charcoal burgers, fried chicken, grilled cheese, and hand pies.
WEBSITE | 7525 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
Titaya's Thai Cuisine
(Thai Restaurant)
A long-standing north Austin Thai restaurant, Titaya’s has a solid customer base of Austinites who have been dining here for years.
They offer pretty solid options for traditional dishes from pad see ew to curries to sticky mango rice. The restaurant is open for dine-in and takeout services. {Photo: Garima B, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 5501 N Lamar Blvd Suite C101, Austin, TX 78751
Nervous Charlie's
(Bagels)
Widely regarded as one of Austin’s best bagel shops (just look at the line on the weekends!), Nervous Charlie’s uses dough imported from New York City.
Those chewy, delicious rings are the basis for hearty breakfast and lunch sandwiches, lox, or one of several kinds of cream cheese schmears. The shop is open for takeout and patio dining.
WEBSITE | 5501 N Lamar Blvd Ste. B101, Austin, TX 78751
Foreign & Domestic
(American Restaurant)
Chef-owned nose-to-tail restaurant Foreign & Domestic is consistently rated as one of the best in the city. Nathan Lemley and Sarah Heard have teamed up to create an imaginative menu of locally-sourced cuisine.
This is one of the sweetest little neighborhood restaurants (feels a bit like you’re stepping into Stars Hollow if Stars Hollow had an upscale restaurant like this!) with small counter space, a few indoor table tops, and some outdoor dining available. Be sure to try the absolutely indulgent 44 farms bavette with ramp cream and rosemary potato.
WEBSITE | 306 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
Julie's Noodles
(Chinese Restaurant)
Julie's Noodles offers authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine in Austin, TX. They have a huge menu, but the soup dumplings and the noodle soups are the best-selling items. Oh, and those handmade noodles are insanely delicious (start with the pork and chive and then keep going back until you've tried everything on the menu.)
Julie’s Noodles is a great rainy day restaurant to try in north Austin the next time you need something cozy to eat.
WEBSITE | 8557 Research Blvd #110, Austin, TX 78758
Honest Mary’s
Healthy Restaurants in north Austin? Be sure to check out Honest Mary’s! It is a fast-casual spot with build-your-own grain bowls responsibly-sourced proteins, Kombucha & wine.
The entire restaurant is bright, sunny, and inviting, so it feels healthy and fresh, and life-giving to dine here.
WEBSITE | 9828 Great Hills Trl Suite 300, Austin, TX 78759
DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana
(Neapolitan Pizza Restaurant)
DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana has some of the best Neapolitan pizzas in north Austin. They use high-quality ingredients imported from Italy to make their pizzas, calzones, and delicious Italian desserts.
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
Second Bar + Kitchen
(American Restaurant)
The acclaimed Second Bar + Kitchen — known for its shareable, casual food and fun local vibe — is a wonderful spot to meet up with girlfriends for a Friday night dinner date. It’s on the ground floor at the Archer Hotel at the Domain NORTHSIDE and has a fun celebratory ambiance.
Order some cocktails and truffle fries, a few entrees, and maybe a glass of wine to go with your bleu cheese pizza or meat + cheese board.
WEBSITE | 3121 Palm Way #101, Austin, TX 78758
Seoulju
(Casual Korean eatery)
The main thing you should know: arrive hungry and order it all! Everything from the Korean fried chicken wings to the bulgogi kimchi fries (so delicious!) to the kimchi stew is so crave-able. Seoulju is a late-night dive bar with a karaoke stage, so it’s a fun spot for dinner or post-dinner drinks. {Photo: Lenny D, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 9515 N Lamar Blvd Suite 230, Austin, TX 78753
Tacodeli
(Taco Mini Chain)
Tacodeli is one of the best-known taco restaurants in Austin, and that’s because they’re consistently good, no matter which location you visit. Thankfully, there’s a north Austin restaurant for these delish tacos (located near the Domain) so you can get your Otto or Jess Special with doña salsa the next time the craving hits.
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
Culinary Dropout
(Gastropub)
Culinary Dropout serves elevated gastropub cuisine with a backyard twist. Their crowd favorites include their pretzel bites that come up with fondue for dipping, 36-hour pork ribs, and their absolutely delicious fried chicken. They are open daily for dine-in, takeout, and online ordering. While you are there, don’t forget to try their outdoor games and stick around for live music.
WEBSITE | 11721 Rock Rose Ave Ste #100, Austin, TX 78758
Fonda San Miguel
(Upscale Interior Mexican)
Fonda San Miguel is one of the best restaurants in all Austin. Full stop. It’s a fantastic place for a nice date night or a celebratory meal. They serve interior Mexican cuisine, so lots of seafood influences, some of the best mole in the city, and incredible top-shelf margaritas. The restaurant is absolutely stunning, too!
WEBSITE | 2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Paprika
(Taco truck)
This fun red taco truck has quickly grown in popularity in the North Austin restaurant scene for one simple reason: the tacos are AWESOME. You need to try the carnitas taco (and the carnitas quesadilla), but also: whenever they have a special rotating taco on the menu, order it.
WEBSITE | 6519 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Picnik
(Allergen-free dining)
If you have any sort of allergies at all, Picnik is your best bet. The food is absolutely delicious, and the restaurant is so bright and beautiful, and there’s something on the menu for any sort of eater: gluten-free, vegan, peanut-free, soy-free, etc.
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
Pinthouse Pizza
(Brewpub with pizza and beers)
Pinthouse Pizza is a crowd favorite in Austin. It’s a simple menu with delicious made-to-order pizzas, a few salads, and some snacky stuff like chips and dessert. But the beer is where they really shine! Pinthouse has won several national beer awards, including gold medals at World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Fest. This is a fast-casual spot with long rows of picnic tables, so it’s great for a group.
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
Jewboy Burgers
(Burgers)
Definitely some of the best burgers in Austin, Jewboy Burgers is a creative spot that pairs the owner’s US/Mexico border upbringing with his traditional reform Jewish roots. Go for the classic Jewboy burger, and then add a side of the traditional potato latkes with “schmutz” dipping sauce.
WEBSITE | 5111 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Interstellar BBQ
(Traditional Texas BBQ)
They made it to the top of Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas list in 2021, so Interstellar BBQ has been packed ever since. Load up your plate with that melt-in-your-mouth brisket, peach tea glazed pork belly, and the assortment of classic barbecue sides like jalapeno slaw and smoked scallop potatoes.
WEBSITE | 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N Ste. 105, Austin, TX 78750
Little Ola’s
A spin-off of award-winning southern restaurant Olamaie, Little Ola’s is a neighborhood biscuit shop that makes the most mind-blowing biscuit sandwiches, housemade jam, and hand pies you’ll ever taste.
WEBSITE |14735 Bratton Ln # 310, Austin, TX 78728
Seareina’s
(Mexican seafood)
From female/Latina-owned Gabriella’s restaurant group comes Seareina’s, a fun, lively Mexican seafood restaurant with live music, giant margaritas, sushi, and a really fun party atmosphere.
WEBSITE | 6607 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78752
Quality Seafood
(Old-school seafood restaurant and market)
Quality Seafood has been in Austin since 1938, and it’s still one of the best places to get local gulf seafood. It’s a no-frills joint, but the seafood is, well…” quality.” Stop by the bar and get a few fish tacos and beer during happy hour, or go to the fish counter and get some fresh seafood to bring home and cook for dinner.
WEBSITE | 5621 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Workhorse Bar
(Dive bar)
If you need a classic neighborhood bar, head to Workhorse Bar. They have solid cocktails, a good beer list, and an absolutely delicious grass-fed burger. There’s a dog-friendly patio out back, a jukebox for music, and the kitchen stays open until 11:45 at night.
WEBSITE |100 N Loop Blvd E Suite B, Austin, TX 78751
Drink.Well
(Cocktail bar and gastropub)
One of the cutest little cocktail bars in Austin, Drink. Well is located far enough from the downtown hubbub to avoid a little bit of the tourist crowd in Austin…and the cocktails are just SO good. Don’t forget about the food menu here, too! The mushroom macaroni and cheese is *muah.*
WEBSITE | 207 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
Uchiko
(Sushi)
Uchi is the most well-known sushi name in Austin, and the sister restaurant, Uchiko, is located in north Austin. Both are popular, pricey, and oh-so-worth-it. However, their happy hour has an omakase at happy hour prices and you can make a meal out of it.
WEBSITE | 4200 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Eldorado Cafe
(Tex Mex)
One of the best-hidden gems in the Austin Tex-Mex scene, Eldorado Cafe is a non-frills spot tucked into a shopping strip that happens to have some of the BEST fajitas, margs, and chips and queso in the entire city of Austin.
WEBSITE | 3300 W Anderson Ln. #303, Austin, TX 78757
One Taco
(Taco mini-chain)
You can expect crazy good pastor, homemade corn tortillas, and freshly-made guacamole at all of the One Taco locations, including their spot in N Austin!
WEBSITE |12200 Research Blvd STE 400, Austin, TX 78759
Thai Kun
(Thai)
This awesome little food truck now has a brick-and-mortar at the Domain NORTHSIDE. They serve beautiful Thai cuisine, including plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. The waterfall pork is a must-try. {Photo: Samantha L, Yelp}
WEBSITE |11601 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
Hopdoddy
(Burger bar)
Hopdoddy started on South Congress Ave, but now it has locations all over the country! These fun burgers and giant bowls of fries are so delicious. The burger/fry situation makes this a solid option for a family-friendly restaurant in Austin, and the boozy milkshakes and craft beer bar mean this is a fun spot for a casual date.
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
Peached Tortilla
(Asian Fusion Restaurant)
The Peached Tortillas blend modern Asian comfort food with a Southern flair. It started as a food truck, and now the brick-and-mortar is one of the most beloved restaurants in north Austin. {Photo: Julia C, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 5520 Burnet Rd #100, Austin, TX 78756
Home Slice Pizza
(American Restaurant)
The North Loop location of the South Congress favorite has a fun kids' area outside, so you can let the little ones run around while you’re waiting for your NY-style pizza. Be sure to try the draft cocktails, too!
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
Komé Sushi Kitchen
(Japanese Restaurant)
Casual sushi restaurant Komé has a cozy/comfy feel and a reputation for being one of the best sushi spots in ATX. They have classic Japanese dishes like ramen, sushi rolls, and bento boxes.
WEBSITE | 5301 Airport Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78751
Sunflower
(Vietnamese Restaurant)
For some of the best (and most authentic) Vietnamese cuisine in Austin, check out Sunflower. The lemongrass tofu is super flavorful, the pho is hearty and comforting, and you should definitely try the Banh Xeo (Savory Vietnamese crepe.) {Photo: Jinna A, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 6001 W Parmer Ln Suite 440, Austin, TX 78727
Vamonos
(Tex-Mex Restaurant)
This fun little Tex-Mex restaurant (from the hospitality group Parkside Projects) is a great spot for either indoor or patio dining. Try their enchiladas, margaritas, and delicious chips and queso. They use hormone-free meat and have a really good selection of top-shelf tequila.
WEBSITE | 4807 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine
(Indian Restaurant)
If you’re on the hunt for authentic South Indian food in Austin, check out Sngam Chettinad Indian Cuisine. Traditionally known for its spicy and complex blend of flavors, Chettinad food is really special, and the owners of this restaurant strive to bring signature dishes to the residents of Austin. Photo: {Veena M, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 6001 W Parmer Ln #140, Austin, TX 78727
Santorini Cafe
(Greek Restaurant)
Looking for a fantastic Greek restaurant in north Austin? Go to Santorini Cafe! Their saganaki, Gyros, and vegetarian plates are all fantastic. Be sure to try the Greek pizza, too! Santorini Cafe has a fun little outdoor patio and a happy indoor cottage dining room. {Photo: Santorini Cafe}
WEBSITE | 11800 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
French Quarter Grille
(New Orleans cuisine)
Get your Cajun and French-inspired dishes at this awesome New Orleans eatery. It’s a cozy little spot with fantastic gumbo, escargot, and French Quarter Salmon, which is prosciutto-wrapped, grilled, and topped with pesto, chilled crab, and tomatoes. {Photo: Nishan P, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 13000 Interstate 35 #600, Austin, TX 78753
Roaring Fork
(American Restaurant)
If you’re looking for that sort of dark wood, a classic American restaurant with open-flame cooking, go to Roaring Fork. They have classic chicken, beef, pork, and fish entrees that are cooked on the wood fire rotisserie. The Stonelake location overlooks Quarry Lake, so the patio seats have a beautiful view of the water. {Photo: Brian L, Yelp}
WEBSITE | Multiple locations
Related posts:
Austin Breweries With Food: A Complete List + Map
If you love visiting Austin breweries buuuut also want to make sure you can grab…
Read More
Where To Get Tacos and Margaritas in Austin
ATX summers: the sun is out, the days are long, and there’s seriously nothing more…
Read More
Where To Eat Near The Moody Center In Austin
Heading to a game or show at the Moody Center and wondering where to eat…
Read More